CN114379292A

CN114379292A - Tyre for vehicle wheels

Info

Publication number: CN114379292A
Application number: CN202111201954.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 细见和正
Original assignee: Toyo Tire Corp
Current assignee: Toyo Tire Corp
Priority date: 2020-10-22
Filing date: 2021-10-15
Publication date: 2022-04-22
Also published as: JP7560994B2; JP2022068675A; US20220126633A1; EP3988346B1; EP3988346A1

Abstract

The invention provides a tire capable of maintaining the characteristics of an electronic component even if the electronic component is arranged near a metal component such as a steel side cord fabric serving as a metal reinforcing layer. A tire (1) is provided with: a pair of bead portions (11) having a bead core (21) and a bead filler (22) extending outward in the tire radial direction of the bead core (21); a carcass ply (23) having a ply body (24) extending from one bead core (21) toward the other bead core (21), and a ply turn-up portion (25) turning up around the bead core (21); a steel sidewall ply (50) as a metal reinforcing layer, which is provided between the ply turn-back portion (25) and the bead filler (22); and an RFID tag (40) as an electronic component, which is provided between the bead filler (22) and the cord fabric main body (24).

Description

Tyre for vehicle wheels

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tire with an electronic component implanted therein.

Background

Conventionally, a tire is known in which: a tire having an electronic component such as an RFID embedded therein. Such a tire can be manufactured and managed, and can be used for historical management, etc. by communicating with a reader as an external device through an RFID tag embedded in the tire. For example, patent document 1 shows a tire in which: a communication circuit unit including an RFID or the like storing identification information, history information, or the like is connected to a conductive belt layer or a carcass cord by bypass wiring, and a part of the conductive belt layer or carcass cord functions as a loop antenna.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2004-13399

Disclosure of Invention

According to the technique disclosed in patent document 1, a part of a belt layer or a carcass cord for securing tire rigidity functions as a loop antenna and performs communication, whereby management of history information and the like of a tire can be performed. However, in designing an antenna, the length of the antenna needs to be optimized according to the frequency band used. Specifically, when the resonance condition of the antenna and the radio wave is taken into consideration, the length of the antenna is preferably: half the wavelength of the frequency used or the length of 1/4. However, in patent document 1, the size of the belt layer or the carcass cord shown as a component constituting the antenna is easily affected by manufacturing errors. Accordingly, it is difficult to accurately set the length of the antenna using them. That is, when considering manufacturing errors and the like, it is difficult to refer to a preferable form in terms of communication quality that a part of the conductive belt layer or carcass cord functions as a loop antenna. In the technique disclosed in patent document 1, although the electronic component is intentionally brought into electrical contact with the belt layer or the carcass cord, which is a conductive member, in a case where such an intention is not met, when the electronic component is brought into electrical contact with the conductive member, a change in performance of the electronic component occurs, and it may be difficult to maintain the characteristics of the electronic component.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tire capable of maintaining the characteristics of an electronic component even when the electronic component is disposed in the vicinity of a conductive member such as a sidewall cord which is a metal reinforcing layer.

The tire of the present invention includes: a pair of bead portions having a bead core and a bead filler extending toward a tire radial direction outer side of the bead core; a carcass ply having a ply body extending from one bead core toward the other bead core, and a ply turn-up portion turned up around the bead core; a metal reinforcing layer provided between the cord fabric turn-back portion and the bead filler; and an electronic component disposed between the bead filler and the cord fabric body.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, even when the electronic component is disposed in the vicinity of the conductive member such as a side cord of a steel cord as a metal reinforcing layer, the characteristics of the electronic component can be maintained.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a view showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of a tire according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the tire of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a steel cord of the tire according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the RFID tag according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 5A is a view showing an RFID tag protected by a protective member in the tire according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 5B is a view showing a section B-B of fig. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a view showing a section C-C of FIG. 5A.

Description of reference numerals:

1 … tire; 11 … bead portions; 12 … sidewall portions; 13 … tread portion; 21 … bead core; 22 … bead filler; 22a … tire radially outer end; 23 … carcass ply; 24 … curtain body; 25 … cord fold back; 26 … steel wire belt (belt); 27 … crown ply; 28 … tread band; 29 … inner liner; 30 … sidewall rubber; 31 … chafer; 32 … flap rubber; 40 … RFID tag (electronic component); 42 … antenna; 50 … steel wire side cord (metal reinforcement); 51 … metal cords; 52 … rubber.

Detailed Description

< embodiment 1 >

Next, embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a view showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of a tire 1 according to the present embodiment. The basic structure of the tire 1 is: the right half is shown in a cross-sectional view, which is bilaterally symmetrical in a cross-section in the tire width direction. In the figure, reference symbol S1 denotes a tire equatorial plane. The tire equatorial plane S1 is: the surface orthogonal to the tire rotation axis (tire meridian) is a surface located at the center in the tire width direction.

Here, the tire width direction is: the direction parallel to the tire rotation axis is the left-right direction of the paper surface in the sectional view of fig. 1. In fig. 1, the tire width direction X is illustrated. Further, the tire width direction inner side is: the direction toward the tire equatorial plane S1 is on the left side of the paper in fig. 1. The tire width direction outer side is: the direction of departure from the tire equatorial plane S1 is the right side of the paper in fig. 1. The tire radial direction is: the direction perpendicular to the tire rotation axis is the vertical direction on the paper in fig. 1. In fig. 1, the tire radial direction Y is illustrated. Further, the tire radial direction outer side is: the direction of the tire rotation axis is the upper side of the paper in fig. 1. The tire radial direction inner side is: in the direction toward the tire rotation axis, the lower side of the paper in fig. 1.

In addition, the sectional view of fig. 1 is: a tire width direction cross-sectional view (tire meridian cross-sectional view) in a no-load state where the tire is mounted on a predetermined rim and a normal internal pressure is applied. The regular rim is: a standard rim determined by JATMA corresponding to the tire size. The regular internal pressure is: for example, 180kPa in the case of tires for passenger vehicles.

Note that the same applies to fig. 2.

The tire 1 is, for example, a tire for a passenger car, and includes: a pair of bead portions 11 provided on both sides in the tire width direction, a sidewall portion 12 extending from each bead portion 11 toward the tire radial direction outer side, and a ring-shaped tread portion 13 connected to the tire radial direction outer side of each sidewall portion 12 to constitute a tread surface (ground contact surface with a road surface) 13C and extending in the tire circumferential direction.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tire 1 of the present embodiment shown in fig. 1, around the tire radial direction inside region of the bead portion 11 and the sidewall portion 12.

The bead portion 11 includes a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending outward in the tire radial direction of the bead core 21.

The bead core 21 is an annular member formed by winding a rubber-coated metal bead wire a plurality of times, and the bead core 21 is a member capable of performing the following functions: the tire 1 filled with air is fixed to a wheel rim (not shown).

The bead filler 22 is a rubber member having a tapered shape extending outward in the tire radial direction of the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 has a tire radial direction outer end 22A and a tire radial direction inner end 22B. The tire radial direction inside end 22B of the bead filler 22 is in contact with the tire radial direction outside end 21A of the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 is: and a member provided to improve the rigidity of the peripheral portion of the bead portion and to ensure high handling property and stability. The bead filler 22 is made of, for example, rubber having a higher hardness than the surrounding rubber member. The modulus of the rubber constituting the bead filler is at least higher than: the modulus of the rubber constituting the inner liner 29 described later and the modulus of the rubber constituting the side rubber 30.

The tire 1 has embedded therein: a carcass ply 23 stretched between the pair of bead portions 11. The carcass ply 23 constitutes a ply as a framework of the tire 1, and the carcass ply 23 is interposed between the pair of bead portions 11 in the tire 1 in a form passing through the pair of sidewall portions 12 and the tread portion 13.

The carcass ply 23 extends from one bead core 21 toward the other bead core 21, and includes: a carcass 24 extending between the tread portion 13 and the bead portion 11, and a carcass folded-back portion 25 folded back around the bead core 21. In the present embodiment, the ply folded-up portion 25 overlaps the ply main body 24 in the region of the sidewall portion 12. The curtain folding portion 25 has an end portion 25A. In the present embodiment, the end 25A of the cord folded-back portion 25 is located at the position of the region of the sidewall portion 12.

The carcass ply 23 is: the tire is configured by a plurality of cord cords extending in the tire width direction. Further, the plurality of cord threads are arranged in the tire circumferential direction. The cord is made of an insulating organic fiber cord such as polyester or polyamide, and is covered with an upper rubber layer. In the present embodiment, the ply cords constituting the carcass ply 23 are arranged radially (Radial direction) from the center of the tire 1. That is, the tire 1 of the present embodiment is: the cord is a so-called radial tire in which cords extend radially.

Further, the carcass ply 23 of the present embodiment is: a carcass ply 23 having a 1-ply structure comprising 1 ply of a ply body 24. However, the carcass ply 23 may be: a carcass ply 23 having a multilayer structure including a multilayer ply body 24.

The bead unit 11 further includes: a chafer 31, a flap rubber 32 disposed on the outer side of the chafer 31 in the tire width direction, and a steel cord fabric 50 as a metal reinforcing layer.

The chafer 31 is provided: the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21 is covered. More specifically, the chafer 31 is provided so as to cover the tire width direction inner side, the tire radial direction inner side, and the tire width direction outer side of the carcass ply 23 around the bead core 21. The chafer 31 has: a 1 st end 31A disposed on the inner side in the tire width direction of the ply main body 24, and a 2 nd end 31B disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction of the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23. The chafer 31 is made of, for example, rubber after kneading fibers or rubber having a high modulus, and has relatively high strength among the constituent members constituting the tire 1. For example, it has a higher strength than the inner liner 29 or the side wall rubber 30 described later.

The flap rubber 32 is disposed: the strip rubber 32 is, on the outer side in the tire width direction of the ply turn-up portion 25 of the chafer 31 and the carcass ply 23: a rubber member which is in contact with a wheel rim (not shown) on the outer side in the tire width direction when the tire 1 is mounted on a wheel. The flap rubber 32 has: a tire radial direction outer end 32A, and a tire radial direction inner end 32B. The outer side in the tire radial direction of the flap rubber 32 is connected to the side rubber 30.

The steel cord 50 as a metal reinforcing layer is disposed in: between the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction. The steel cord 50 has a function of reinforcing the bead portion 11. The steel sidewall ply 50 has: a tire radial direction outer end 50A, and a tire radial direction inner end 50B. In the present embodiment, the tire radial direction outer end 50A of the wire side cord 50 is located at: the bead filler 22 is positioned further outward in the tire radial direction than the tire radial direction outer end 22A and further inward in the tire radial direction than the end 25A of the ply turn-up portion 25. The steel sidewall ply 50 has: a portion disposed between the outer side of the bead core 21 in the tire width direction and the cord folded-back portion 25, and a portion disposed between the outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction and the cord folded-back portion 25. In the present embodiment, the steel sidewall ply 50 further includes: a portion disposed between the curtain fabric main body 24 and the curtain fabric folded portion 25.

The steel sidewall cord 50 of the present embodiment is composed of a metal fiber cord layer containing metal fibers. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a metal fiber cord layer constituting the steel-wire side cord fabric 50, and is a virtual diagram when the steel-wire side cord fabric 50 disposed in the tire 1 is viewed from the outer side in the tire width direction toward the inner side in the tire width direction. The steel sidewall ply 50 includes: a plurality of metal cords 51 formed by twisting a plurality of metal fibers, and a rubber 52 as an upper rubber layer formed by coating and integrating the plurality of metal cords 51.

As shown in fig. 3, the plurality of metal cords 51 constituting the steel sidewall ply 50 extend obliquely with respect to the radial direction R, and are arranged at intervals in the tire circumferential direction C in an oblique state. The angle θ formed between the radial direction R of the tire 1 and the extending direction of the metal cords 51 of the steel side cord 50 is preferably 10 ° or more and 40 ° or less. In the present embodiment, the cord cords constituting the carcass cord 23 are arranged radially (in the radial direction) from the center of the tire 1. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the angle θ between the extending direction of the cord of the carcass ply 23 and the extending direction of the metal cord 51 of the steel sidewall ply 50 is 10 ° or more and 40 ° or less. In this way, by crossing the cord of the carcass ply 23 and the metal cord 51 of the steel side cord 50, the rigidity of the portion where the carcass ply 23 and the steel side cord 50 overlap can be improved. The cord diameter of the metal cord 51 of the steel side cord 50 of the present embodiment is, for example, 0.5mm to 1.2 mm.

The sidewall portion 12 includes: and a sidewall rubber 30 disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the carcass ply 23.

The sidewall rubber 30 is: a rubber member constituting an outer wall surface of the tire 1. The side rubber 30 has a tire radial direction outer end 30A and a tire radial direction inner end 30B. The sidewall rubber 30 is: in the most curved portion of the tire 1 for its cushioning effect, a soft rubber having fatigue resistance is generally used.

The tread portion 13 includes: a steel belt 26 as a belt layer disposed on the outer side of the carcass ply 23 in the tire radial direction, a crown ply 27 disposed on the outer side of the steel belt 26 in the tire radial direction, and a tread rubber 28 disposed on the outer side of the crown ply 27 in the tire radial direction.

The steel belt 26 is: the rubber-coated steel cord is composed of a plurality of steel cords coated with rubber. By providing the steel belt layer 26, the rigidity of the tire 1 can be ensured, so that the ground contact state between the tread portion 13 and the road surface is rendered good. In the present embodiment, the steel belt layers (the inner steel belt layer 261 and the outer steel belt layer 262) having a 2-layer structure are provided, but the number of the steel belt layers 26 to be stacked is not limited to this. Instead of the steel belt 26 using steel cords, the following may be used: a belt layer of a tire cord or the like having aramid fibers is used. In addition, the steel belt 26 having the 2-layer structure of the present embodiment is formed such that: the inner belt layer 261 is wider than the outer belt layer 262. Therefore, the tire width direction outer end of the inner steel belt layer 261 constitutes the tire width direction outer end 26A of the steel belt layer 26.

The crown ply 27 is a member disposed on the outer side of the steel belt 26 in the tire radial direction, and functions as a belt reinforcing layer. The crown ply 27 is: is composed of an insulating organic fiber layer such as polyamide fiber and is covered with an upper rubber layer. By providing the crown fabric 27, it is possible to improve durability and reduce road noise during running. In the present embodiment, the tire width direction outer end 27A of the crown ply 27 extends further outward in the tire width direction than the tire width direction outer end 26A of the belt 26.

The tread rubber 28 is a member constituting the tread surface (ground contact surface with the road surface) 13C. The tread rubber 28 has a tire width direction outer end 28A. A tread pattern (not shown) composed of a plurality of grooves is provided on the tread surface 13C of the tread rubber 28.

The bead portion 11, the sidewall portion 12, and the tread portion 13 are provided on the tire inner cavity side of the carcass ply 23 with: an inner liner 29 as a rubber layer constituting the inner wall surface of the tire 1. The liner 29 is: the air-permeation resistant rubber prevents air in the tire cavity from leaking to the outside.

Here, as shown in fig. 1, the side rubber 30 of the sidewall portion 12 extends toward the tread portion 13. On the other hand, the tread rubber 28 of the tread portion 13 extends toward the sidewall portion 12. As a result, on the tire outer surface side of a partial region of the carcass ply 23, there are: the tread rubber 28 and the side rubber 30 are laminated. More specifically, in the area where the side rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 coexist, that is, the transition area between the sidewall portion 12 and the tread portion 13, and on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23, there are: the side rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 are laminated in this order.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the carcass ply 23 of the bead portion 11 and the sidewall portion 12 is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction of: a flap rubber 32, and a sidewall rubber 30 disposed on the outer side of the flap rubber 32 in the tire radial direction.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, in the vicinity of the transition region between the bead portion 11 and the sidewall portion 12, and on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23, there are: the flap rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the 1 st end 31A of the chafer 31 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the carcass body 24 and the inner liner 29 of the carcass ply 23. The 2 nd end 31B of the chafer 31 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the flap rubber 32.

The tire 1 of the present embodiment has implanted therein: an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component.

The RFID tag 40 is a passive transponder, and includes: an RFID chip, and a plurality of antennas for communication with an external device. The RFID tag 40 wirelessly communicates with a reader, not shown, as an external device. As the antenna, there can be used: coil-shaped spring antennas, plate-shaped antennas, and various rod-shaped antennas. For example, it may be: an antenna formed by printing a predetermined pattern on a flexible substrate. The antenna is set to an optimal antenna length according to a frequency band used and the like. The storage unit in the RFID chip stores: identification information such as a manufacturing number and a part number.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an RFID tag 40 according to the present embodiment. The RFID tag 40 of the present embodiment includes: an RFID chip 41, and a coil-shaped spring antenna as an antenna 42 for communicating with an external device. Here, the diameter of the metal wire forming the antenna 42 is preferably 0.5mm or less. For example, the diameter of the metal wire is 0.1mm or more and 0.5mm or less. The coil diameter D of the coil-shaped spring antenna formed by winding the metal wire is preferably 2.0mm or less. For example, the coil diameter D of the coil-shaped spring antenna is 1.0mm or more and 2.0mm or less. The length L2 in the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag 40 including the antenna 42 is preferably 30mm or more and 70mm or less.

In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the bead filler 22 and the ply main body 24. More specifically, the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the tire width direction inner side of the bead filler 22 and the carcass body 24.

In this way, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the bead filler 22 of high modulus and the ply body 24 as a fiber layer, the deformation of the periphery of the RFID tag 40 is small and the stress is hard to concentrate. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be broken.

Further, since there are: the wire side ply 50 as a metal reinforcing layer, the ply turn-up portion 25 as a fiber layer, and the bead filler 22, so that the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be reduced. In particular, since the steel cord fabric 50 as a metal reinforcing layer is present in the vicinity of the RFID tag 40, the RFID tag 40 can be stably protected even when a force is applied from the outside in the width direction of the tire. The RFID tag 40 is located: is located further inward in the tire radial direction than the outer end 50A of the wire side cord 50 in the tire radial direction.

Further, a bead filler 22 is disposed between the RFID tag 40 and the steel cord 50. Accordingly, although the RFID tag 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the steel cord fabric 50 as the metal reinforcing layer, the distance between the RFID tag 40 and the metal member can be secured, and contact between the two can be prevented. This can suppress a decrease in performance of the RFID tag 40. For example, when the antenna 42 is provided as in the RFID tag 40 of the present embodiment, a decrease in communication quality can be suppressed.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the RFID tag 40 is preferably disposed in: is located closer to the tire radial direction outer end 22A than the tire radial direction inner end 22B of the bead filler 22. More preferably, at least a part of the RFID tag 40 is disposed in: the bead filler 22 is located further toward the tire radial direction outer side than the position 10mm from the tire radial direction outer side end 22A toward the tire radial direction inner side. More preferably, all the parts of the RFID tag 40 including the antenna are disposed in: the bead filler 22 is located further outward in the tire radial direction than a position 10mm inward in the tire radial direction from the tire radial direction outer end 22A. That is, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the RFID tag 40 of the present embodiment is preferably arranged such that: a region L1 ranging from the tire radial direction outer end 22A of the bead filler 22 to 10mm on the tire radial direction inner side.

The bead core 21 is a metal member having a particularly high possibility of adversely affecting communication because a metal bead wire is formed in an annular shape by being wound in layers. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 is preferably disposed at a position as far as possible from the bead core 21.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, on the outer side in the tire width direction of the RFID tag 40, there are disposed: a steel side cord 50 having metal cords 51. As shown in fig. 3, the steel sidewall ply 50 includes: a plurality of metal cords 51 arranged at intervals in the tire circumferential direction. Since these plurality of metal cords 51 extend obliquely with respect to the radial direction R and are arranged at intervals in the tire circumferential direction C in an oblique state, the gap G between the plurality of metal cords 51 becomes larger as going toward the outer side in the tire radial direction.

The steel side cord 50 having the metal cord 51 is also a member that may affect communication. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is disposed in: for example, the RFID tag 40 can be disposed at a position closer to the tire radial direction outer end 22A than the tire radial direction inner end 22B of the bead filler 22: a portion where the gap G between the plurality of metal cords 51 becomes large. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 is difficult to receive: the effect of the steel side cord 50 having the metal cord 51. From such a viewpoint, the RFID tag 40 is preferably disposed in: a region L1 ranging from the tire radial direction outer end 22A of the bead filler 22 to 10mm on the tire radial direction inner side. As shown in fig. 3, the gaps G between the plurality of metal cords 51 indicate the distance in the circumferential direction of the tire.

The steel side cord 50 having the metal cord 51 is also a member that may affect communication. Accordingly, at least a portion of the RFID tag 40 may be configured to: a range L2 of 10mm to 18mm from the tire radial direction outer end 50A of the side cord 50 toward the tire radial direction inner side. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 can be disposed in: a portion where the gap G between the plurality of metal cords 51 becomes large. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 is difficult to receive: the effect of the steel side cord 50 having the metal cord 51.

In addition, the gap G between the plurality of metal cords 51 in the portion 50C of the steel sidewall ply 50 at the position closest to the RFID tag 40 shown in fig. 2 is preferably: larger than the diameter of the metal wire forming the antenna 42 of the RFID tag 40. For example, the gap G in this portion is preferably 0.5mm or more. Accordingly, the influence on the communication can be suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure ideal communication between the RFID tag 40 and an external reader. More preferably, the average value of the gap G in this portion is 0.5mm or more and 2.5mm or less. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 can be stably protected, and the influence on the communication can be suppressed.

As shown in fig. 4, the RFID tag 40 implanted in the tire has a longitudinal direction if it includes an antenna. The RFID tag 40 is preferably implanted in the tire 1 so that the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag 40 is the circumferential direction of the tire or the direction of a tangent line tangent to the circumferential direction of the tire, that is, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the cross-sectional views of fig. 1 and 2. By so implanting, stress is difficult to apply to the RFID tag 40 even when the tire is deformed.

The gap G between the plurality of metal cords 51 in the portion 50C of the steel sidewall ply 50 at the position closest to the RFID tag 40 is calculated as an average value of the plurality of gaps G in the range of the length L2 in the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag 40 including the antenna 42.

Here, the RFID tag 40 of the present embodiment is attached to the tire component before the vulcanization step in the manufacturing step of the tire 1. Specifically, the RFID tag 40 is mounted on the bead filler 22 or the ply main body 24. At this time, the bead filler 22 and the upper rubber layer of the ply body 24 are: the state of the green rubber before vulcanization. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 is attached to the bead filler 22 or the ply main body 24 by the adhesiveness of the raw rubber. The RFID tag 40 may be attached using an adhesive or the like. Thereafter, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the bead filler 22 and the ply main body 24. After the sandwiching, the tire components including the RFID tag 40 are assembled to obtain a green tire, and the green tire is vulcanized in a vulcanization step to manufacture a tire.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 can be attached to: a carcass 24 or a bead filler 22 having rigidity and being coated with an adhesive raw rubber as a fiber layer. Accordingly, the assembly operation of the RFID tag 40 is facilitated in the tire manufacturing process. Further, since the bead filler 22 having a small thickness change during vulcanization is disposed between the RFID tag 40 and the steel cord fabric 50, the distance between the RFID tag 40 and the steel cord fabric 50 can be secured, and a decrease in performance of the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the tire is embedded with the RFID tag 40 as the electronic component, but the electronic component embedded in the tire is not limited to the RFID tag. For example, various electronic components such as a sensor capable of wireless communication may be used. In addition, when the electronic component is in electrical contact with the conductive member, the electronic component may have performance variations, and it is difficult to maintain the characteristics of the electronic component. In addition, the electronic component may be damaged by excessive stress application. Accordingly, even when various electronic components are embedded in the tire, the effects of the present invention can be obtained. The electronic component may be, for example, a piezoelectric element, or a strain sensor.

According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be produced.

(1) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment includes: a pair of bead portions 11 having a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending toward the tire radial direction outer side of the bead core 21; a carcass ply 23 having a ply main body 24 extending from one bead core 21 toward the other bead core 21, and a ply folded-back portion 25 folded back around the bead core 21; a steel cord 50 as a metal reinforcing layer provided between the cord folded-back portion 25 and the bead filler 22; and an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component provided between the bead filler 22 and the carcass body 24. Accordingly, the bead filler 22 having a small thickness change during vulcanization is disposed in: since the RFID tag 40 as the electronic component and the steel cord fabric 50 as the metal reinforcing layer are disposed between each other, the distance between the RFID tag 40 and the metal member can be secured, and the performance of the RFID tag 40 can be prevented from being degraded. Accordingly, even if the RFID tag 40 is disposed in: the properties of the RFID tag 40 can be maintained even in the vicinity of a conductive member such as a steel side cord 50 as a metal reinforcing layer.

(2) At least a part of the RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment is disposed in: the bead filler 22 is located further toward the tire radial direction outer side than the position 10mm from the tire radial direction outer side end 22A toward the tire radial direction inner side. Accordingly, since the RFID tag 40 is sufficiently separated from the bead core 21, the influence of the bead core on the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed. In addition, because of being: since the average gap between the plurality of metal cords 51 constituting the steel side cord 50 is increased, the influence of the steel side cord 50 on the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the desired communication between the outside and the RFID tag 40 can be ensured.

(3) The steel sidewall cord 50 of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment includes: the plurality of metal cords 51 arranged at intervals in the tire circumferential direction and the rubber 52 covering the plurality of metal cords 51 have a gap of 0.5mm or more between the plurality of metal cords 51 in the portion of the steel sidewall fabric 50 at the position closest to the RFID tag 40. Accordingly, the influence of the steel cord fabric 50 on the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed, and a preferable communication property between the outside and the RFID tag 40 can be ensured.

< embodiment 2 >

Next, a tire 1 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to fig. 5A to 5C. In the following description, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is covered with a protective member 43 made of a rubber sheet.

Fig. 5A is a diagram showing the RFID tag 40 coated with the protective member 43 made of a rubber sheet. In fig. 5A, the RFID tag 40 is covered and hidden by a rubber sheet 431 described later. Fig. 5B is a sectional view B-B of fig. 5A, and fig. 5C is a sectional view C-C of fig. 5A. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A to 5C, the RFID tag 40 is covered with the protective member 43.

The RFID tag 40 includes: an RFID chip 41, and an antenna 42 for communicating with an external device. As the antenna 42, as described above, various kinds of coil-shaped spring antennas, plate-shaped antennas, and rod-shaped antennas are used.

The protective member 43 is formed of 2

rubber sheets

431 and 432 which sandwich the RFID tag 40 for protection.

The protective member 43 is made of rubber having a predetermined modulus, for example. Here, modulus means: according to JIS K6251: 2010 stress at a given tensile stress (S) of 3.7, and 100% elongation modulus (M100) at 23 ℃ in an atmosphere.

As the rubber used for the protective member 43, a rubber having a modulus at least higher than that of the side rubber 30 can be used.

For example, as the rubber used for the protective member 43, it is preferable to use a rubber 1.1 to 2 times the modulus of the side rubber 30 based on the modulus of the side rubber 30.

The protective member 43 may be formed by mixing short fiber filler with rubber. As the short fiber filler, for example, there can be used: such as organic short fibers such as aramid short fibers and cellulose short fibers, ceramic short fibers such as alumina short fibers, and insulating short fibers such as inorganic short fibers such as glass short fibers. By mixing such a short fiber filler in rubber, the strength of the rubber can be improved. Further, as the protective member 43, a rubber sheet in a state after vulcanization may be used. The rubber sheet in the vulcanized state does not undergo plastic deformation like raw rubber, and therefore, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

Further, as the protective member 43, an organic fiber layer of polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, or the like may be provided. The organic fiber layer may be implanted into the 2

rubber sheets

431 and 432.

As described above, if the protective member 43 is configured by 2

rubber sheets

431 and 432, the RFID tag 40 including the protective member 43 can be thinly formed, and thus, is suitable for being implanted in the tire 1. When the RFID tag 40 is incorporated into a component of the tire 1 before vulcanization, the RFID tag 40 coated with the

rubber sheets

431 and 432 can be very easily attached. For example, the RFID tag 40 coated with the

rubber sheets

431 and 432 can be appropriately attached to a desired position of each rubber member before vulcanization by the adhesiveness of the raw rubber. Further, the

rubber sheets

431 and 432 may be raw rubber before vulcanization, and thus the adhesiveness of the

rubber sheets

431 and 432 themselves may be used, so that the adhesion can be performed more easily.

However, the protection member 43 is not limited to the form constituted by the 2

rubber pieces

431 and 432, and various forms can be adopted. For example, if the rubber sheet constituting the protective member covers at least a part of the RFID tag 40, the effects such as improvement of workability and stress relaxation in the manufacturing process can be obtained. In addition, for example, the following may be possible: a configuration in which 1 rubber sheet is wound around the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40, or a configuration in which a protective member in the form of a potting agent having a high viscosity is attached to the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40. Even with such a configuration, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the carcass ply 23 and the bead filler 22 in a state of being covered with the protective member 43. In this case, even in a situation where the RFID tag 40 is subjected to stress due to the relative movement of the carcass ply 23 and the bead filler 22, the presence of the protective member 43 can protect the RFID tag 40. Accordingly, the durability of the RFID tag 40 is further improved.

The RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 is implanted in the tire 1 so that the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag 40 is the circumferential direction of the tire 1 or the direction of a tangent line that is tangent to the circumferential direction of the tire 1, that is, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the cross-sectional views of fig. 1 to 2. In the manufacturing process, one surface of either of the

rubber sheets

431 and 432 is bonded to a component of the tire 1 before vulcanization.

By making the configuration as described above, even when the tire 1 is deformed, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be stressed. In addition, in the manufacturing process, the work of attaching the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 becomes simple.

According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be produced in addition to the above-described effects (1) to (3).

(4) In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is coated with the

rubber sheets

431 and 432. This improves workability in the manufacturing process. In addition, an effect of relaxing stress applied to the RFID tag 40 can be obtained.

The tire of the present invention can be applied to various tires for passenger vehicles, light trucks, buses, and the like, and is particularly suitable for tires for passenger vehicles.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like that are made within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tire, characterized in that,

the tire is provided with: a pair of bead portions having a bead core and a bead filler extending toward a tire radial direction outer side of the bead core; a carcass ply having a ply body extending from one bead core toward the other bead core, and a ply turn-up portion turned up around the bead core; a metal reinforcing layer disposed between the cord fabric turn-back portion and the bead filler; and the electronic component is arranged between the tire bead outer rubber and the cord fabric main body.

2. The tire according to claim 1,

at least a part of the electronic component is disposed in: and a position further toward the outer side in the tire radial direction than a position 10mm from the outer end in the tire radial direction of the bead filler toward the inner side in the tire radial direction.

3. The tire according to claim 1,

the metal reinforcing layer is provided with: a plurality of metal cords disposed at intervals in the tire circumferential direction, and a rubber covering the plurality of metal cords,

gaps between the plurality of metal cords in a portion of the metal reinforcing layer at a position closest to the electronic component are 0.5mm or more.

4. Tire according to claim 3,

the gap between the metal curtain lines is more than 0.5mm and less than 2.5 mm.

5. Tire according to claim 3,

the electronic component is provided with an antenna,

the clearance between the plurality of metal cords is larger than: a diameter of a metal wire of the antenna forming the electronic component.

6. Tire according to claim 5,

the diameter of a metal wire of the antenna forming the electronic component is 0.5mm or less.

7. The tire according to claim 6,

the diameter of a metal wire of the antenna forming the electronic component is 0.1mm to 0.5 mm.

8. The tire according to claim 1,

the outer end of the metal reinforcing layer in the radial direction of the tire is positioned as follows: and a position further toward the outer side in the tire radial direction than the outer end in the tire radial direction of the bead filler.

9. The tire according to claim 8,

the outer end of the metal reinforcing layer in the radial direction of the tire is positioned as follows: and a position further toward the inner side of the tire radial direction than the end part of the cord folding-back part.

10. The tire according to claim 1,

the metal reinforcing layer has: a portion disposed so as to be sandwiched between the outer side of the bead core in the tire width direction and the cord folded-back portion, and a portion disposed so as to be sandwiched between the outer side of the bead filler in the tire width direction and the cord folded-back portion.

11. The tire according to claim 10,

the metal reinforcing layer has: a portion disposed so as to be sandwiched between the curtain cloth main body and the curtain cloth folded portion.

12. The tire according to claim 1,

the electronic component is located: and a position further toward the inner side in the tire radial direction than the outer end in the tire radial direction of the metal reinforcing layer.

13. The tire according to claim 1,

the electronic component is implanted in the tire so that the longitudinal direction thereof is in the tire circumferential direction or the direction of a tangent line that is tangent to the tire circumferential direction.

14. The tire according to claim 1,

at least a part of the electronic component is disposed in: and a range of 10mm to 18mm from the outer end of the metal reinforcing layer in the tire radial direction toward the inner side in the tire radial direction.